Almost 90 percent of students studying medicine in Irish universities say they're considering emigrating when they graduate.

A study led by NUIG has found that career opportunities and working conditions are among the main factors for emigrating.

Nearly nine out of ten medical students in Ireland say they may leave the country once they qualify.

More than a third of those said they were definitely planning to emigrate, with another 50 percent saying they were contemplating it.

NUIG surveyed around 2-thousand students who are currently studying medicine at the country's six training schools and found that pay is NOT the main issue concerning them.

Most cited career opportunities, working conditions or lifestyle as the factors that would contribute towards their decision to leave the country.

Researchers say the outcome of the survey is alarming - with some pre-med and first year students found to already be considering emigrating once they finish their studies.